Katie BaileyGovernor Brian P. Kemp announced that Oscar “Bo” Fears assumed the role of Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance on September 1. Bo continues to uphold Kevin Hagler’s legacy of cooperative oversight to help ensure robust and safe economic opportunities for consumers and businesses in Georgia.
Prior to his appointment, Bo served as Senior Deputy Commissioner, where he was responsible for administration and oversight of the Department, development of policies and procedures, and oversight of technology, security, and project management. He first joined the Department in 2013 as Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs, providing legal advice along with legislative and operational support. Bo also participates in national working groups and committees with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, including serving on the Board of Directors and chairing the Regulatory Committee and the State Regulatory Registry Lawyers Committee. He began his career with the state in 1997 at the Attorney General’s office, where the Department was one of his permanently assigned clients. Bo earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Emory University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law.
The Department also announced three additional promotions: Melissa Sneed has been appointed Senior Deputy Commissioner, Kevin Vaughn has been named Deputy Commissioner for Supervision, and Amy Patterson has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Legal Affairs.
